Yvonne sensed hostility. She reached out and tugged on Stephen's sleeve while changing the topic. "Weren't you in a meeting? Why are you suddenly here?"

"I promised Elvin and Britney that I would be back for Christmas. I had to keep my word," Stephen said calmly.

"You could have told me earlier—"

"I wanted to give you a surprise," Stephen interjected.

He looked at Otto before saying, "Now it seems more like a fright instead of a surprise."

Yvonne awkwardly cleared her throat. "What nonsens